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INTRODUCTION
Pyromechanisms have long been used in space for
launchers and satellites applications, particularly
for release or separation purposes, such as bolt
cutters, release nuts, pyrovalves, etc
They offer a great variety of uses, a high potential
between the power supplied and the weight on
board with, at the same time, a high reliability.
However, they also feature a drawback due to the
high
dynamics
generated
by
their
functioning. Pyroshocks levels may damage
adjacent sensible equipments (eg electronic boxes,
reaction wheels,) and require to design damping
systems or to remove those equipments from the
shock source.
In a mechanism using standard pyrodevices, shock
generation comes from three sources:
Pyrotechnic reaction
Energy from internal parts in motion
The release of structural constraints
Devices developed by E. LACROIX have the
objectives to avoid the two last ones by:
Using heat and gas generated by
pyrotechnic effects.
PYROSOFT
Release pyro-mechanism
Principle
The conception of a pyrotechnic system releasing
a mechanism has to deal with two main functions :
- Achieve a preload tension to allow the holddown without a gap in the mechanism, while this
latter will be undergoing the flight dynamics,
- Separate the mechanical binding without any
side effect.
Most pyrotechnic mechanisms designed
separation cannot combine both functions.
for
Firing
Melting of the Low Melting Point Alloy LPMA
Motion
Piston is unlocked and moved under gas pressure.
Speed is controlled by the LMPA flow
Before Firing
Piston locked to fixed elements
After Firing
Piston is re-locked on cooling
Main characteristics
Thermal study
MODEL
12-392V
Nominal load
Load with margins
12 000 N
18 800 N
Weight
Operation duration
125 g
with 2 NSI
1s
Shock level
Operating temperature
-110C /+110C
Random Vibrations
Acceleration
50,9 g RMS
+/- 25g
Reliability
> 0,9999
Shelf Life
10 years
Initiation
NSI or 1-TAP
1 mm
brazing ( 120C)
554,1 C
540 C
Conclusion
Mechanical study
Dimensioning
A data-processing model with finite elements
allowed to create a structural model for the
different parts and allowed their slight evolution in
regard to the initial design, to respect the
specifications of this type of mechanism (
(chamfers and bending radius in the zones of
constraint concentration).
Misalignment
d
L
Vibrations
Shock measurements
Conclusion
Pyrotechnic composition
Handling of the thermal transition
Structural margins of the mechanism
Behaviour under vibrations
Shocks induced while functioning
VIROSOFT
The feasibility of this concept has been performed
under CNES Toulouse R&T contract.
Separation Device for Satellite Adapters
Design
VIROSOFT is designed to withstand the two parts
of the adapter by the mean of carbon straps in
tension. For satellite release, the expansion of a
tube pressurized by a gas generator moves cutters
which cut the carbon straps.
5
3
4
2
Vibrations tests
The Virosoft adapter fitted to a 125 kg microsatellite mock-up has been installed on a the
LACROIX vibration facility.
Quasi Static Load (7.5g longitudinal axis and 6.5g
radial axis) have been applied by sine vibration in
the 20Hz 25 Hz range . No anomalies and
damages have been recorded.
Conclusion
Compared to the expanding detonating tube
separation systems, the energy required for cutting
straps is lower.
VIROSOFT tests on a CNES micro-satellite have
shown a shock level reduction from 3 dB up to 6
dB in the frequency range of 1 kHz to 10 kHz
referred to an equivalent detonating separation
system. The structural behaviour of Virosoft has
been evaluated with success.
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